Norfolk-based frigate USS Carr (FFG 52) retrieved 1,250 pounds of cocaine while being resupplied by an air drop at sea during Operation Martillo, Aug. 15. A long range P-3 patrol aircraft from the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) decreased altitude, passed close to the ship and dropped a single
The drug and pirate-busting Merlin helicopter of HMS Westminster is safely back home in Culdrose after seven months making a ‘tangible’ difference in the Indian Ocean. 02 Flight – callsign Red Bull – played a key role in three pirate busts and one drug smuggling take-down, four of the most eventful
Frigate HMS Sutherland joined up with British tanker RFA Wave Ruler in the Indian Ocean to take on much-needed supplies for her counter-terrorism mission. The two ships conducted a replenishment at sea – known throughout the Navy as a RAS – with the tanker providing fuel and stores for the Devonport
On 13 August the Luxembourg Maritime Patrol Aircraft Detachment deployed in support of the EU anti-piracy operation ATALANTA passed its 4.000th operational flight hour during its 707th operational sortie in theatre. This milestone occurred when Captain SOLOMON and his crew were crossing the equator
Counter piracy forces from the EU Naval Force Somalia (EU NAVFOR) Operation Atalanta and NATO disrupted two pirated dhows and freed the crew taken hostage in the Gulf of Aden. On 10 August, a suspicious dhow, reportedly pirated in Bosaso – Somalia, was located off the coast of Oman by the Spanish EU
The Commander of the British naval task force in Libya last year returned to his flagship to pay homage to some of the sailors, soldiers and marines who distinguished themselves during the conflict. Commodore John Kingwell ADC visited HMS Ocean to present his personal commendations to twelve Royal N
Offshore handling systems specialist, Caley Ocean Systems has been awarded a contract by Babcock, to supply rescue boat davits for a new offshore patrol vessel for the Irish Naval Service (INS). The all-weather Caley davits are designed for rapid deployment, enabling boats to be held in readiness an
Cassidian, the defence and security division of EADS, will equip the new Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Finnish Border Guard with its proven TRS-3D naval radar. The STX Shipyard in Rauma/Finland has awarded Cassidian a contract to deliver the radar by mid-2013 for integration into the new ship. “To p
Portsmouth-based warship HMS Westminster returns home today (August 13) from a deployment to the Middle East which included a £14m drugs bust. The Type 23 frigate seized more than 70 bales containing pure heroin – which would have funded terrorist activity – from a dhow in the Indian Ocean. During s
Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, embarked aboard aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), began flying the first combat sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Aug. 9. These missions will provide direct support to coalition forces on the ground in Afghanistan. The support include
The F-35 Lightning II accomplished a significant test milestone Aug. 8 when the aircraft successfully released a weapon in flight. BF-3, a short take-off and vertical landing F-35 variant, executed an inert 1,000-pound GBU-32 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) separation weapon over water in an Atl
Amazonas, the first of three BAE Systems built Ocean Patrol Vessels being delivered the Brazilian Navy, departed the UK for Rio de Janeiro this morning after her crew completed a rigorous programme of Flag Officer Sea Training with the Royal Navy off the South coast. Supported by a team from BAE Sys
Clare Curran serves on the Royal Navy’s Flagship which is providing the Command and Control Headquarters for the Maritime Force Commander in Weymouth Bay, Dorset – keeping the seas safe for the Olympic sailors. HMS Bulwark is playing a key role in the policing operation and Clare has a vital part to
The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert visited Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island to speak with Sailors and answer questions Aug. 7. The CNO addressed Sailors assigned to Whidbey Island’s Electronic Attack and Reconnaissance squadrons and tenant commands during an all hand
